If the will to win didn't come from within, it would from his teammates.

The Marines are three-time defending team champions and winners of the Chairman's Cup for topping the annual medals table. In 2012, the Marines took home 89 medals (gold, silver and bronze) followed by the Army with 63, the Navy/Coast Guard combined squad with 30, Air Force 17 and Special Ops Command 10.

'No one wants to be on the team that doesn't win it, ' Marines track assistant coach Sgt. Michael Pride said.

This year, a combined British team will compete for the first time after taking part as exhibition (non-scoring) athletes last spring.

The annual event lasting Saturday to Thursday picked up additional media buzz when it was announced that British Prince Harry, 28, who served in the army in Afghanistan, will be on hand for Saturday's invitation-only opening ceremony at the Olympic Training Center courtyard and Sunday's cycling competition, which is free and open to the public, at Air Force Academy's Falcon Stadium.

Harry, 28, is the youngest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. He is regarded as one of the world's most eligible bachelors. He is third in line to the throne, behind Charles and older brother Prince William.